Truth “It seemed to me certain, and I still think so today, that one can never wrestle enough with God if one does so out of pure regard for the truth. Christ likes us to prefer truth to him because, before being Christ, he is truth. If one turns aside from him to go toward the truth, one will not go far before falling into his arms. ” Simone Weil

Philosophy Example: The Kalam Argument

History Example: The Resurrection of Jesus

Experience Example: A sense of the Numinous religious-experience-research-centre/

Revelation Example: the bible as a record of God’s self- revelation.

Einstein to Lemaître: “I found it very ugly indeed that the field law of gravitation should be composed of two logically independent terms which are connected by addition. About the justification of such feelings concerning logical simplicity it is difficult to argue. I cannot help to feel it strongly and I am unable to believe such an ugly thing should be realized in nature.” Holder p.19

Beauty “it is certainly true that mathematical beauty is an important criterion for physicists in evaluating alternative theories.” Holder p.19

It Must Be Beautiful “Both men [Einstein and Dirac] were captivated by the belief that the fundamental equations of physics must be beautiful.” xiv According to Einstein’s son Hans, “the highest praise for a good theory or a good piece of work was not that it was correct nor that it was exact but that it was beautiful.” xv

Beauty Recognised not Analysed

How to recognise the truth True religion is recognised by what it produces. True religion produces beauty.

Matthew “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”

Jesus on False Religion Burdens, condemns and excludes. Focuses on small rules while neglecting the bigger issues. Encourages people to feel superior. Is marked by hypocrisy. Is preoccupied with appearances, status, and man-made traditions.

Character Galatians “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Love, Joy, Peace

Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness

Community John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Ephesians “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

Culture

Conclusion True religion is recognised by its fruit (by what it produces). True religion produces beauty. This can be seen in the character of individuals, in the nature of the believing community and in the impact of the religion on the wider culture.